Bollywood TV and film producer Shivan Giri creates television programming and films with unique storytelling for global audiences. With experience in various forms of media, including feature films, web series, commercials, and music videos, one of the highlights of Shivan’s career is his collaboration with Joel Novoa, the director of ‘Cobra Kai’ and ‘Arrow’.
In an exclusive interview, we sat down with Shivan Giri to chat about ‘Abs of Steel’ and working with ‘Cobra Kai’ Director Joel Novoa.
Firstly, tell us about the TV show ‘Abs of Steel’?
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“Abs of Steel” is a new television series that follows an overweight real estate agent struggling with rejection from his crush due to his weight. The show chronicles his journey to lose weight, as he faces various challenges in his work, love life, and spirituality. Each episode explores different themes in his life, including mental health, priorities, and lust, among others. The series aims to shed light on the impact of societal pressures on our life goals and help viewers reflect on what true success means to them.
How personal is this story to you?
The inspiration for my script came largely from my personal experiences with being overweight and my motivation to lose weight being driven by the need for acceptance from others. However, I found that my motivation would wane after a short period of working out, leading me to realize that I needed to prioritize my overall health and well-being as the primary motivation for my weight loss journey. This shift in mindset helped me achieve lasting results and make a positive impact on my health.
How deep into a positive mental and healthy attitude does the show go?
There is a significant impact that emotional health and stress can have on our lives. They can profoundly affect our relationships and decision-making abilities, either positively or negatively. These insights were the driving force behind my script, and my hope is that my personal experiences can inspire others to prioritize their well-being and start their own journey towards a healthier and happier life. In essence, the script is a reflection of my personal journey, and I hope that it can inspire and motivate others to take control of their health and well-being.
Who else is involved?
We are excited to announce that Blue Sea International, a Dubai-based real estate firm, has partnered with our production company, Cheat Meal Production, as investors for our upcoming project. To ensure the highest production quality, we have enlisted the expertise of ace cinematographer Pranav Mulay and experienced director Sharan Gupta, who have received training in Hollywood. Furthermore, we are thrilled to confirm that an A-list actor has agreed to be a part of our project, and we cannot wait to reveal their name to the public. As we continue to move forward with this exciting endeavor, we will keep everyone updated on any further developments and progress.
When will you start principal photography?
We will start filming in Mumbai, India in June 2023, and aim to complete eight episodes by December 2023. We’re excited to share this unique and inspiring story with audiences worldwide.
When do you hope it to release?
The project is expected to be released on a streaming site in June 2024. We are currently in ongoing negotiations with the platform.
Can you share your experience working with Joel Novoa, the director known for his work on ‘Cobra Kai’ and ‘Arrow’?
Working with Mr. Joel Novoa was a dream come true. When they called me to work on the project ‘Fracture,’ I said yes and was super excited because I’m a huge fan of Cobra Kai, on which Joel was the director. Working with Joel was my best creative experience. He knows exactly what he wants. He is very talented, and working on ‘Fracture’, I got to learn a lot from him – his passion, his experience, his knowledge. He was the leader and captain of the ship, and I did my best to help him bring his vision to the screen.
How do you think your experience of working with a Netflix series director would help you in your current project, “Abs of Steel”?
Working with Joel Novoa was an invaluable experience that has prepared me well for my upcoming project, ‘Abs of Steel.’ As a director, Joel had a clear vision of how the project would appear on screen, and I learned the art of preparation from him. Specifically, I gained insight into effective scene blocking that allows for clear communication with the crew and actors. Thanks to Joel’s mentorship, I feel confident in my ability to bring this project to life.
How can people find and follow your journey?
Thank you so much! My Instagram is: @shivangiri and IMDb is Shivan Giri.
